“A hero is somebody who is selfless, who is generous in spirit, who just tries to give back as much as possible and help people. A hero to me is someone who saves people and who really deeply cares.” – Debi Mazar. That quote is truly what defines a hero, and nailed it on the point. Being a hero isn’t all about the glory, and strength but who really is truly willing to do the best of their abilities at what they do. Odysseus isn’t a hero because he was too much pride, selfishness, and is irresponsible. First, Odysseus is foolish for waiting for the Cyclops to return to his cave instead of scavenging, and getting out of there. Odysseus endangered the lives of his men, and cost him eight of the twelve men he brought. Although he speared the Cyclops’ eye, it wasn’t worth eight of his men dying. As they sail out and were clearly safe Odysseus brags about his siege to Polythemus which is idiotic. Odysseus also gives his name in his exploit, so Polythemus prays to his father who is Poseidon (God of the sea). In Polythemus‘ prayer he prays Odysseus an extremely long, and restless journey home. As a result Odysseus loses a countless number of men after that point. This part of his voyage shows that he isn’t wise. He was too much pride, and isn’t heroic. Second, Odysseus, and his men travel to Aenea, the island ruled by the sorceress-goddess Circe. When Odysseus and his crew go consult with Circe, she turns half of Odysseus’ men into pigs. While he had a magical herb that protected him Odysseus didn’t bother to tell his crew about her powers or give them a magical herb. Odysseus simply could have left his crew at shore and talked to Circe himself. It seems that Odysseus didn’t think rationally. He stayed with Circe for a whole year
